Artemi Panarin scored a crucial goal in the third period to tie the game, then clinched the shootout win, helping the New York Rangers secure a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders, marking their franchise-record 54th win on Saturday.
Igor Shesterkin made 34 saves, Braden Schneider netted a short-handed goal, and Vincent Trocheck sealed the shootout win. The Rangers are closing in on the Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL’s best regular-season record.
“It shows a lot about our team. It’s something they can be proud of,” Laviolette commented on the win’s record. “This team really battled hard.”
Panarin’s shootout goal against Ilya Sorokin set the pace. Trocheck’s final goal ended the thrilling game between the long-standing rivals, halting the Islanders’ six-game winning streak.
“It was an intense and emotional game, a lot of fun,” Schneider remarked as the Rangers rallied to win for the 28th time this season.
Brock Nelson’s two goals in the second period initially put the Islanders ahead 2-1, but Panarin’s late goal tied the game, ending the Rangers’ two-game losing streak.
The Islanders, led by Patrick Roy since January, have been on a late-season surge, nearing a playoff spot with 90 points and two games remaining.
“It was a hard-fought game. We’ve been picking up points, which is good for us,” Roy noted. Despite Sorokin’s 41 saves, the Rangers managed to secure the win. Panarin’s offensive prowess has been instrumental, leading the team with 118 points and points in a franchise-record 66 of the Rangers’ 81 games this season.
“Shesterkin described Panarin as an amazing player and a game-changer with his laser shot,” Panarin said. With a three-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division, the Rangers are poised to win the division if Carolina loses one of their remaining two games.
